On April 18, 2018, a ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 UNDESIGNAT was involved in an aviation accident near Sonora, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at a low altitude. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter struck a tree top while the pilot was spotting deer, damaging the tail rotor. The aircraft spun, the pilot shut the throttle, and it landed on its left side, sustaining substantial damage.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during a deer-spotting flight, the helicopter struck the top of a tree. The impact damaged the tail rotor, causing the helicopter to spin. The pilot responded by closing the throttle, after which the helicopter landed and rolled onto its left side.
Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot's Recommendation
Following the incident, the pilot recommended flying at a higher and safer altitude to avoid similar occurrences.
Contributing factors
Altitude — Not attained/maintainedPilotEffect on operation
Related events
Same aircraft family
13 Sep 2026 — ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II (Chop Air LLC)
16 Jul 2026 — ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II (D&p LLC)
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Apr 2018 ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 UNDESIGNAT accident near Sonora, TX?
A helicopter struck a tree top while the pilot was spotting deer, damaging the tail rotor. The aircraft spun, the pilot shut the throttle, and it landed on its left side, sustaining substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 18 Apr 2018 ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 UNDESIGNAT accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Apr 2018 involved a ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 UNDESIGNAT, at Sonora, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at a low altitude.
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